When those speckled bananas are past their prime for out-of-hand snacking, it’s time to turn them into something wonderfully indulgent – skillet banana fritters! These crispy, golden fried fritters are the perfect way to use up overripe bananas while treating yourself to a taste of the tropics.
With origins in African and Caribbean cuisines, banana fritters offer that irresistible combination of sweet, dense banana flavor enveloped in a crispy, warmly-spiced exterior. They make an absolutely delightful breakfast treat or dessert indulgence, especially when served up hot with a dollop of whipped cream, scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle of maple syrup.
The best part is just how quick and easy these skillet banana fritters are to whip up at a moment’s notice. You just need those overripe bananas, some pantry staple ingredients like flour, milk, sugar, and spices, and a skillet with some hot oil or melted butter. 15 minutes of active prep is all it takes for true fried dough bliss.
The batter comes together by simply mashing up those ultra-ripe bananas and folding them together with the flour, milk, vanilla, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. A touch of baking powder helps create those signature nooks and crannies that make for the perfect crispy, craggly fritter exterior.
While the batter rests for a few minutes, you’ll heat up a thin layer of oil or butter in a skillet until shimmering. Then it’s just a matter of scooping in spoonfuls of that thick banana batter and frying them for a couple minutes per side until puffed and golden brown all over.
You’ll want to resist the urge to overcrowd the skillet, ensuring each fritter has room to sizzle and crisp up unobstructed. As the fritters emerge from their hot oil bath, they’ll be simultaneously crispy and fluffy, with an ooey-gooey banana interior waiting to be admired.
For breakfast, these beauties are sublime when stacked and drizzled with maple syrup alongside some crispy bacon or sausage patties. Or take them in a sweeter direction by dusting them with powdered sugar and serving with fresh whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent dessert.
They’re also infinitely customizable to make them your own tropical treats. Try folding in some shredded coconut or diced pineapple to the batter. A splash of rum or coconut milk amps up those beachy flavors even more. Or keep them simple and savor the intoxicating aroma of bananas, cinnamon and vanilla.
No matter how you serve them up, these crispy yet pillowy banana fritters are downright irresistible while still warm from the skillet. Each glistening fritter is filled with gooey banana goodness waiting to ooze out with every bite into that lightly crisp, sugary crust.
They’re ideal for lazy weekend mornings or as a simple yet show-stopping dessert for any occasion. Or hey, just whip them up whenever the craving strikes for a little slice of the tropics! With their ease of preparation and intense nostalgia-inducing flavors, these skillet banana fritters are happiness in fried, golden-brown form.
Skillet Banana Fritters
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the mashed banana along with the milk and vanilla. Stir just until combined – do not overmix.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while you heat 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Scoop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, flattening them slightly. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain fritters on a paper towel-lined plate and dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
- Serve warm, garnished with whipped cream, maple syrup, ice cream, or other toppings of choice.
These easy skillet banana fritters are crispy, gooey tropical delights! Perfect for breakfast or dessert.
